Nikon D90

    62
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    Highlights

    • 12.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
    • 11 Focus Points
    • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
    • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
    • 4.5 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Nikon D90 was announced in 2008 and is an APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) DSLR camera with 12.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 200 to 3,200 and expands to 200 - 6,400 in boosted mode. The camera has a Fixed 3.0" screen with 920k dot resolution and built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder.

    Nikon D90 can capture video up to 1280 x 720 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen and Viewfinder
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Nikon Dxx series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Nikon Dxx series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Nikon D90 October
    2008    		 12.3 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    920k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D60
    Compare
    		March
    2008    		 10.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 2.5"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D40X
    Compare
    		May
    2007    		 10.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 2.5"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D40
    Compare
    		December
    2006    		 6.1 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.5"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D80
    Compare
    		September
    2006    		 10.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 2.5"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D50
    Compare
    		July
    2005    		 6.1 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.0"
    130k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D70s
    Compare
    		April
    2005    		 6.1 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.0"
    130k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D70
    Compare
    		April
    2004    		 6.1 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 1.8"
    130k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Nikon D90 vs D60 vs D40X vs D40 vs D80 vs D50.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D90.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
    •   200 Lowest Native ISO
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   11 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
    •   DxO Overall Score - 73
    •   Weight - 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)
    •   Battery Life - 850 shots

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Nikon D90 to its predecessor D80 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Nikon D90 vs Nikon D80
    Video Capture vs
    Higher Sensor Resolution 12.3 Megapixel vs 10.2 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 1,600
    Higher Boosted ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
    Max Image Resolution 4288 x 2848 vs 3872 x 2592
    Face Detection vs
    Live View Autofocus vs
    Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
    Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.5"
    Higher Resolution Screen 920k dot vs 230k dot
    Live View vs
    Higher Viewfinder Coverage 96% vs 95%
    Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.64x vs 0.63x
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 4.5 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Multi-Segment Metering vs
    Center Weighted Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 977 vs 524
    Higher DxO Color Depth 22.7 vs 22.1
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.5 vs 11.2
    Higher DxO Overall Score 73 vs 61
    HDMI Output Mini Type C vs
    Built-in Microphone Mono vs
    DOWNGRADES Nikon D90 vs Nikon D80
    Higher Native ISO 200 vs 100
    Average Metering vs
    Heavier 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz) vs 668 g (1.47 lb / 23.56 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon D90 vs D80.

    Successor

    In 2010 Nikon D90 was replaced by Nikon D7000. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Nikon D90 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Nikon D7000 vs Nikon D90
    Higher Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixel vs 12.3 Megapixel
    Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
    Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
    Higher Boosted ISO 25,600 vs 6,400
    Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 vs 4288 x 2848
    Higher Bit Depth 14-Bit vs 12-Bit
    Timelapse Recording vs
    More Focus Points 39 vs 11
    Center Autofocus vs
    Tracking Autofocus vs
    Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 920k dot
    Higher Viewfinder Coverage 100% vs 96%
    Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 6.0 fps vs 4.5 fps
    Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/200 sec
    Average Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1167 vs 977
    Higher DxO Color Depth 23.5 vs 22.7
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.9 vs 12.5
    Higher DxO Overall Score 80 vs 73
    Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720
    Microphone Input vs
    Environmental Sealing vs
    Longer Battery Life 1050 shots vs 850 shots
    More Storage Slots 2 vs 1
    DOWNGRADES Nikon D7000 vs Nikon D90
    Lower Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.63x vs 0.64x
    Heavier 780 g (1.72 lb / 27.51 oz) vs 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon D90 vs D7000.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fixed screen

    Nikon D90 has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 920k dot resolution.


    Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 96% coverage and 0.96x (0.64x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

    Sensor

    Nikon D90 features a 12.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 372.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200 and expands to 200 - 6,400 in boosted mode.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Nikon D90's APS-C sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.8 mm372.9 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera can take pictures up to 4288 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Nikon D90 has Nikon F lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


    No In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so it needs lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D90.

    Nikon D70
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    6.1 MP

    Nikon D40
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    6.1 MP

    Nikon D7000
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    16.2 MP

    Nikon D60
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    10.2 MP

    Nikon D70s
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    6.1 MP

    Nikon D80
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    10.2 MP

    Nikon D50
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    6.1 MP

    Nikon D40X
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    10.2 MP

    Sony DSLR-A390
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    14.2 MP

    Sony DSLR-A380
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    14.2 MP

    Fujifilm X-T20
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.3 MP

    Sony ZV-E10
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Nikon D90 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Nikon D90 comes with EN-EL3e battery pack with battery life of 850 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Nikon D90 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 4.5 fps.


    Exposure

    Camera's exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment.


    Flash

    Nikon D90 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 17.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec. Flash compensation can be set from -3 to +1 EV with 1/3 or 1/2 EV step increments.

    Physical Parameters

    Nikon D90 has dimensions of 132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.06 x 3.03"). It weighs 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz) which is neither heavy nor lightweight.

    132 mm (5.2")

    103 mm (4.06")

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    103 mm (4.06")

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    77 mm (3.03")

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    Nikon D90 dimensions

    Nikon D90 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Nikon D90 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    GOOD
    70

    Nikon D90 gets a score of 70 and is GOOD choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    67

    Nikon D90 gets a score of 67 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   11 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
    •   Battery Life - 850 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    58

    Nikon D90 gets a score of 58 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   11 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Battery Life - 850 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    79

    Nikon D90 gets a score of 79 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   11 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    77

    Nikon D90 gets a score of 77 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   11 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    74

    Nikon D90 gets a score of 74 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)
    •   Battery Life - 850 shots

    Nikon D90 Evaluation

    We evaluate Nikon D90 and give score of 62 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    62

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    67

    We give Nikon D90 a score of 67 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
    •   200 Lowest Native ISO
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   DxO Overall Score - 73

    Photo

    AVERAGE
    63

    We give Nikon D90 a score of 63 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

    Video

    BAD
    7

    We give Nikon D90 a score of 7 for Video parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

    Focusing

    GOOD
    81

    We give Nikon D90 a score of 81 for Focusing parameters.

    •   11 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    72

    We give Nikon D90 a score of 72 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

    Connectivity

    AVERAGE
    61

    We give Nikon D90 a score of 61 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    44

    We give Nikon D90 a score of 44 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)
    •   Battery Life - 850 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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